Taskforce Maxima major steroids operation closure

Investigators from Taskforce Maxima working with the Australian Border Force have today closed a major operation focused on the trafficking of human growth hormones and steroids, raiding multiple residences across Brisbane and the Gold Coast and charging 19 people of 50 charges.

Operation Oscar Ocean commenced in June 2015 and focused solely on the importation of steroids and human growth hormones. During the operation, police discovered a network of individuals operating from a Jindalee residence and receiving, manufacturing and distributing the steroids.

Nineteen people have been charged including a 27-year-old Jindalee man charged with six counts of possess restricted drugs and three counts of possess dangerous drugs, a 25-year-old Chermside man charged with one count of possess dangerous drug and possess controlled substance, a 27-year-old Mt Gravatt man charged with two counts of possess dangerous drug and one count each of possess restricted substance and possess category R weapon, a 26-year-old Kirra man charged with two counts of possess dangerous drug, a 24-year-old Chermside West man charged with possess dangerous drug and possess restricted drug and a 31-year-old West End man charged with four counts of possess dangerous drug.

“During the course of the operation we have seized over $50,000 worth of steroids, drugs and prescription medication including teremifene. Teremifene is a medication utilised by women under-going treatment for cancer and is often unlawfully utilised by steroid users and suppliers to reduce estrogen related side effects (breast development).

“To us the concern with the importation of steroids is the clear link with other associated criminal activities. We know that today’s OMCGs are very much involved with performance and image enhancing drugs. We also know of the violent side effects that can result from taking these drugs,” Detective Inspector Philip Stevens of Taskforce Maxima said.

Australian Border Force (ABF) Regional Commander QLD, Terry Price, said an initial detection at the border had allowed the operation to proceed.

“ABF officers detected approximately 250 grams of steroid powders at the border, which individuals had attempted to illegally import through the post into Brisbane. As a result of this detection, our officers referred the information from their investigation to Taskforce Maxima,” Regional Commander Price said.

“Once again we see how a detection at the border can lead to further alleged offences within the Australian community. We are committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners post border to relentlessly target this sort of criminal activity,” he said.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.